Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.