Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

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

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.