Space Traveler Discloses 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 historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.