Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse 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 dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
