Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

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

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.