Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.