Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits 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 April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.