Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.