Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included leaders in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
