Crew Member Shares Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

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