Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

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 astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

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