Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.