Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
