Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
