Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She described 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.
The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
