Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” 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 April, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.