Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

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