Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.