Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.