Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” 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 celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.