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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” 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 focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

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