Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
