Crew Member Discloses Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

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 female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

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 support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.