Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.