Space Traveler Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
