Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
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 included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.