Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

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