Crew Member Shares Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.