Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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 wrote. “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 gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
