Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami 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 – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“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 journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
