Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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