Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.

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