Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“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 journey.
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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
