Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

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

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

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide 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 paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.