Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “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 operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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