Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.