Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.