Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
