Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

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

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.