Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
