Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health 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 researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.