Crew Member Discloses Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
