Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

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

About the Mission

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 outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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