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

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

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