Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse 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 pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.