Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.