Astronaut Shares Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism 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 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 social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

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