Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“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 period after the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
