Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.