Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

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

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.