Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my 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 female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

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