Space Traveler Shares Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

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