Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.