Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse 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 the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.