Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing 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 earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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 focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

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