Astronaut Shares Depression Following Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
