Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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