Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized 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. “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 female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred 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 deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
