Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.