Crew Member Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

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