Astronaut Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

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

“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

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

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