Crew Member Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

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