Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
