Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
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.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.