Space Traveler Shares Depression After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

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 short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

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 edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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