Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.