Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.