Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.