Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to 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 the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.