Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone 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.

“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 conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.