Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.

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