Space Traveler Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath 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 mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.