Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

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

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.