Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.