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

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.