Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.