Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

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

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.