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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake 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 earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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