Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

Astronaut during spaceflight
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in Spring 2025.

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.

Christina Miller
Christina Miller

A tech journalist and AI researcher with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies impact society and business.