Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment 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 fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.