Astronaut Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake 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 earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.