Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

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 support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.