Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.