Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also included leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.