Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She described 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
