A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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.”
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
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