Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became 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,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She described 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
