Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as 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 all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.