Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized 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 negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.