Crew Member Shares Depression After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight 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

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.

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