Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
