A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.”
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
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