Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

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