Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash 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 mission companion in the period after the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
