Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

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 extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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