Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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. “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 performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.