Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, 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 expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.