Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known 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 college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed 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 group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
