Astronaut Shares Depression Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.