Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about 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 scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.