Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.
The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
