Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
