Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath 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 April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She portrayed 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 women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
