Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.