Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
