Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.