Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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