Crew Member Reveals 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 enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
