Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost 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 “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good 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 launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
