Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She characterized 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning 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 long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
