Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
