Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized 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 intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
