Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
