Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding 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 – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission 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 negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.