Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“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 mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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