Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.