Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.

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