Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
