Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
