Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction 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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

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