Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
