Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
