Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

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

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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