Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
