Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
