Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.