Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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