Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.