Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

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

She described 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.