Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas 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 featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
