Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.