Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” 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 operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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