Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas 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 included experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.