Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse 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 short-duration mission in April, which also featured well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse 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.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.