Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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