Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.