Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
