Crew Member Shares Depression After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.