Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
