Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed 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 – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.