Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
