A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
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