Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

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

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.