Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.

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