Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.

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