Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.