Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

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

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.