Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.