Crew Member Discloses Depression Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.