Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“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 described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
