Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.