Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.