Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.