Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

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

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.