Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring 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 short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.