Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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 widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted 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 multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.