Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“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 aftermath of the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.