Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She characterized 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also featured experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
