Crew Member Discloses Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
