Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism 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 in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
