Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 revealed. “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 female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.