Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

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

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

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