Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science 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 roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.