Astronaut Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.