Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.