Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing 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 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also featured experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
