Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

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