Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

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