Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.