Space Traveler Shares Depression After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

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

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.