Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.