Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.