Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
