Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing 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 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.