Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “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 women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
