Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.
The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
