Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to 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 widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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