Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse 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 earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, 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 told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.