Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.