Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
