Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
