Crew Member Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
