Crew Member Discloses Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.