Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She portrayed 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 wrote. “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 gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
