Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
