Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
