Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost 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 torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche 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 put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.