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

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.