Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression 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 scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

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 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 female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.