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

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “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 operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

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