Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
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 well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
