Space Traveler Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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