Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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