Crew Member Discloses Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing 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 featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded 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.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.