Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche 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 paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
