Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, 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 acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.
The group of women also included leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
