Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.