Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.