Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
