Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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