Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
