Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse 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 – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized 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 eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
