Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse 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
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
