Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.