Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.