Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.