Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, 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 messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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