Astronaut Reveals Depression After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.