Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.