Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.