Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 confessed. “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 all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.