Crew Member Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.