Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.