Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“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.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed 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 launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.