Crew Member Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
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 included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“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 focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.