Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, 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 social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
