Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse 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 high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
