Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She characterized 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 focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
