Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.