Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler 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 researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.