Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.