Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring 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 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
