Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.