Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.