Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
