Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath 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 celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
