Astronaut Discloses Depression After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
