Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.

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