Astronaut Shares Depression After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
