Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

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

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.