Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
