A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen â recognized as a researcher and activist â was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an âavalanche of misogynyâ.
âI explained the depression could persist for a long time,â Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an âonslaught no human brain has evolved to endureâ.
âStuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,â she confessed. âWeeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.â
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement â from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background â was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the âfog of grief has started to liftâ, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. âYou were my salvation,â she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
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