Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 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 women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
