Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.