Crew Member Discloses Depression After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.

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