Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
