Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“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.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
