Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment 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 period after the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.