Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
