Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

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

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.