Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
