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

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.