Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake 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 mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

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