Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment 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 fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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 revealed. “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 female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.