Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as 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 all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.