Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, 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 public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
