Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
