Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
