Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

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

The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.