Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.