Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

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

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

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.