Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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 dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
