Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.