Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘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 researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
