Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also featured experts in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
