Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.
The group of women also included experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.