Astronaut Shares Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.