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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.