Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath 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 in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.