Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.