Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

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

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.