Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.