Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

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

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.