Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.