Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as 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 public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.
The group of women also featured experts in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
