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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

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