Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction 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, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.