Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring 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 researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became 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 social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
