Astronaut Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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