Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
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,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She described 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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
