Crew Member Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash 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, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
