Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” 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 dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
