Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, 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 situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
