Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

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

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

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