Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.
The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
