Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

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

The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.