Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.