Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring 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 short-duration mission 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 experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment 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 aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
