Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
