Crew Member Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
