Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

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

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

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.