Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

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