Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
