Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, 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, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She described 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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
