Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“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 period after the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

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