Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.