Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.