Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, 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 public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.