Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction 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, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
