Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
