Space Traveler Shares Depression After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed 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 conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

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