Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.