Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

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

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She characterized 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.