Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

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