Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.