Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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