Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
