Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized 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 buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
