Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “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 gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.