Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.