Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, 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,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed 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. “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 female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

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