Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.