Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
