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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.