Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after 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 wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.