Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.