Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, 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,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
