Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.