Crew Member Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.