Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.
The group of women also included leaders in different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.