Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave 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 aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became 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, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.