Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

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