Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
