Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut 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 noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.