Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to 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 earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
