Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
