Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

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