Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about 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 – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

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 supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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