Crew Member Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to 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 researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.