Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
