Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
