Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
