Astronaut Discloses Depression Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.

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