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

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.