Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

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