Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.