Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 April, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
