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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

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