Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
