Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.