Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
