Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring 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 brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
