Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.