Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.