Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 in April, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating 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 leaders in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
