Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction 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, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.