Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement 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 aftermath of the flight.

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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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