Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
