Space Traveler Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “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 female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.