Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
