Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding 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 featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.