Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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 celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.