Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.