Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.