Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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 high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

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

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

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.