Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.