Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake 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 carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, 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 thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

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

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

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