Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.