Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
