Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of space.
The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
