Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space 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 ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold 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 heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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