Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

“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 focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.