Space Traveler Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.