A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism 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 in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
A seasoned financial analyst with over a decade of experience in global markets and trading strategies.
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