Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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 dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

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