Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my 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 gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
