Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.