Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.