Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

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