Amanda Nguyen, a prominent civil rights advocate and astronaut, recently shared her struggles with post-flight depression following her historic journey with Blue Origin. In a heartfelt Instagram statement, she opened up about the emotional aftermath of her experience aboard the New Shepard rocket, which launched in April from Texas.
Astraut Amanda Nguyen Reflects on Her Journey
Nguyen revealed the intense emotional toll the reaction to her flight had taken on her. She described a difficult period following the mission when she found it challenging to get out of bed for an entire week. Her experience was compounded when a fellow crew member, Gayle King, reached out to check on her, leading Nguyen to express her concern that her depression might last for years.
The Weight of Social Media Backlash
After her flight, Nguyen faced significant public scrutiny. She likened the overwhelming media coverage and social media response to an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure.” This emotional burden left her feeling isolated despite the accolades she received as a Vietnamese woman astronaut, especially coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the US-Vietnam War.
Achievements and Advocacy
Despite the backlash, Nguyen acknowledges positive outcomes from her spaceflight. She highlighted how the experience garnered valuable attention for her research in women’s health. The astronaut, who is also a scientist, emphasized the importance of her mission and the promise she kept to herself as a survivor. She paused her journey towards becoming an astronaut to focus on her advocacy after experiencing sexual assault in university.
Blue Origin and the New Shepard Mission
- Launch Date: April 2023
- Mission Duration: 11 minutes
- Launch Site: Texas
- Crew Members:
- Amanda Nguyen
- Gayle King
- Aisha Bowe
- Kerianne Flynn
- Spacecraft: New Shepard (fully automated)
Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, the well-known entrepreneur behind Amazon. The company’s aim is to revolutionize space travel, making it accessible for more people.
Awarding Community Support
Nguyen expressed gratitude to her supporters, stating that their kindness played a crucial role in her healing. “You all saved me,” she remarked. Eight months after realizing her dream as an astronaut, Nguyen noted that the “fog of grief has started to lift.”
In a concluding note, she believes that, despite adversity, her flight has facilitated connections with world leaders and amplified her advocacy work. This journey has not only marked a personal achievement but has also become a platform for broader social issues.
