Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She described 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused 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 reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.