A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She portrayed 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
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