Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to 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.
“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
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.