Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.