Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack 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 “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.