Space Traveler Discloses Depression Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

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