Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
