Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed 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 being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.