Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.