Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also featured experts in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
