Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She portrayed 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.