Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by 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 historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
