Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.