Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
