Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized 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 intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.