Crew Member Reveals Depression Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.