Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She characterized 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.

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