Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.