Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
