Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

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