Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.