Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, 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 heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
