Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism 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 in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.