Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.