Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut 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 sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.