Crew Member Reveals Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.