Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
