Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.