Crew Member Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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