Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.