Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.