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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.