Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

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