Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.