Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as 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,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She portrayed 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 confessed. “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 everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
