Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

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