Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.