Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.