Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” 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 female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.