Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.