Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight 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 vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
