Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.