Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 included celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
