Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

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

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.