Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.

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

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 told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.