Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 revealed. “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 female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

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