Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
