Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
