Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.
The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
