Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.