Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.