Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

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

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

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.