Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.