Space Traveler Discloses Depression Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“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
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
