Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.