Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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