Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, 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 social media post, describing 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 barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
