Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health 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 short-duration mission in April, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
