Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

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