A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment 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 phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“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.”
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
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