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

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

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