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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling 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 unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.

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