Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.