Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, 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 online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.