Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.