Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing 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.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.