Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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 conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.