Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.