Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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 female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.

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