Space Traveler Shares Depression Following Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

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

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.