Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
