Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

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

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

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 “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

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