Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
