Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She portrayed 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also featured experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.