Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
