Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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 high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

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