Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.