Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.