Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused 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 heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
