Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.