Crew Member Shares Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.