Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction 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 aftermath of the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

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