Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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