Astronaut Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed 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 short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

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

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

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.