Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
