Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.