Crew Member Shares Depression After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

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