Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.