Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.