Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.