Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

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

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

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

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