Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.