Astronaut Shares Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as increased focus 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 six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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