Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, 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 affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for 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 six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.

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