Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

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

Amanda Nguyen – known 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 much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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