Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized 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 intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed 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 female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.