Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

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 explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.