Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

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