Astronaut Discloses Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became 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,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

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