Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.