Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
