Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
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 pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She described 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.