Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
