Space Traveler Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

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