Crew Member Reveals Depression After Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.

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