Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

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