Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.