Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse 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 included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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 wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.