Space Traveler Shares Depression After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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 focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

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

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.