Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
