Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
