Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests 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 buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

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