Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

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

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

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.