Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

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