Space Traveler Shares Depression Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.