Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
