Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
