Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.