Space Traveler Shares Depression After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.