Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

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