Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
