Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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 focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

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