Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.