Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became 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,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
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 passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
