Crew Member Shares Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.