Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She described 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
