Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.