Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism 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 brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
