Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

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