Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She described 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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.