Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
