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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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 dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

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