A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash 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, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
