Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed 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 focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for 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 long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.