Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
