Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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 featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on 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 short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.