Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.

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