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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

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