Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

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

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction 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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge 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 deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.