Astronaut Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, 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 said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
