Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.