Crew Member Shares Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.