Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

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

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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