Crew Member Shares Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed 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 – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
