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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.