Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.

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