Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “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 female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.