Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse 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 earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“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.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
