Astronaut Shares Depression Following Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

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