Astronaut Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
