Astronaut Discloses Depression After Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.