Astronaut Shares Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

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

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.